statement724

Human Rights Council - 29th Regular Session

OHCHR Oral Update on Boko Haram

Australian Statement

1 July 2015

Australia remains deeply concerned at the ongoing violence and terrorist activities committed by Boko Haram. The deliberate killing of civilians is particularly distressing, and Australia condemns these actions in the strongest possible terms.

Australia also strongly condemns ongoing violence committed against women and girls, who are particularly vulnerable to Boko Haram’s violence. Reports of sexual violence, slavery and children forced into marriage are deeply disturbing. Rampant abuses by Boko Haram perpetrated against women and girls must be documented, and those responsible held to account.

Australia remains concerned about the destabilizing impact of the group on Nigerian and regional stability. Australia supports regional efforts to counter Boko Haram by Nigeria and its neighbours, but stresses that any action must comply with international law.

Australia maintains that it is incumbent upon States to ensure that measures taken to counter terrorism comply with their obligations under international law, including the UN Charter, international human rights law, international humanitarian law and international refugee law.

Australia supports the Office of the High Commissioner’s efforts to report on abuses of human rights and atrocities committed by Boko Haram.